April 18, 2005

I flew over the Llano Nest

Texas has always played host to a huge variety of birds migrating to the south for winter..now that spring is in full bloom..these wintering birds are also nesting here..and one of the main attractions is the American Bald Eagles...this is the national bird of America and also the one on the American Emblem...

Not far from Austin...in Llano, these magnificent birds are found in plenty..and the same birds return to their nests every winter to raise new eaglets..I went over to see these llano nests..and must say it was certainly a great experience...

Went to see this one nest..which strangely has 3 parents..one male while two female eagles...(Hmm..i leave this to your imagination..)..and now two eaglets have joined the family...The eaglets have just learned to fly and keep wandering around near the nest..while the parents still get food for them ranging from fish from the river and even turtles..have no idea how they manage to eat that!!
People here defintely take a lot of interest in observing and studyin these birds..the place was packed with people equipped with digital SLRs with huge telescopic lenses and some of them even had telescopes to observe them more clearly...

Enjoyed a lot..watching the eagles and their lifestyle and daily activities totally oblivious to so many people watching them!!

April 09, 2005

My Austin log: Part I

I thought of starting this section..so I can write kind of a journal about things happening here in Austin..

I finally got my social secuirty..and so could go for my written driving test..felt weird studying after so many days..you actually have to read a 90 page booklet..including things like effects of alcohol..offences like selling alcohol to minors...and how much time in jail will I have to spend for not paying a ticket and so on...
The test went quite well..it is an online test..and you need to get atleast 70% to clear..luckily got 90%!!

Being very close to mexico there is definitely a great mexican influence..mexican food is obviously a favourite for all...nothing like the food in TexMex..much more variety and more exotic..went to this lovely place called 'Hula Hut'..it is along lake austin..the ambience is just too good..reminded me a bit of boat quay...had amazing Shrimp Enchiladas there and my favourite Margarita!!

Latin dance is also very popular here..with many bars having live latin music..took this opportunity to put on my dancing shoes by learning salsa at the university of texas..they organise these informal classes which anyone can take up...it is defintely exciting and fun to learn salsa..basics are quite easy..also makes u feel really energetic and lively!!

As summer approaches..the day grows longer and with the day light saving kicking in from last week...the sunsets around 830..feels kind of funny...

well..thats all for now.
This is packan signing out for Part I of My Austin log.